Substance Abuse and the Brain

Please discuss the following: Explain the role dopamine (aka the reward system) plays in addiction. After explaining the process answer the following question: Is addiction a disease or a disorder?

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Substance Abuse and The Brain:

Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters found in the brain which plays a major role when it comes to addition. Dopamine exhibits some similarities to adrenaline since it has an effect on the processes of the brain which control movement, emotional responses, and an individual's ability of experiencing either pain or pleasure. Humans physical and mental health are determined by the regulation of the dopamine having in mind that neurotransmitters (dopamine) are clustered within the humans mid brain (Dopamine- a sample neurotransmitter, n.d).

Some drugs have the ...

Solution Summary

In about 340 words, this solution discusses the expression of neurotransmitters found in the brain, specifically dopamine and describes the interaction that agonists and antagonists of dopamine receptors can have. As well, specific drugs are discussed which mimic the behaviour of dopamine and a position is taken on whether altering dopamine levels is an addiction or disease. Two references are included.